Strengthen Family Relationships with Stories

ParentFurther Info

Reading books together is a fun way for parents and kids to grow stronger as a family.

Search Institute has partnered with First Book, with generous support from Disney. First Book is a set of children’s books that will help you explore your family strengths and relationships while spending time together. We also have a free, downloadable guide for each book. Each guide has questions and activities to help your family explore your strengths.

The books all tie to Search Institute’s research on family strengths and relationships. They are organized into these topics:

How you can get these books

If you are an educator or program provider serving children from low-income families, you can access these books through the First Book Marketplace for up to 90 percent off retail prices. Simply sign up with First Book to get started. This process is completely free and takes just a few minutes.

First Book is a national nonprofit social enterprise that provides books and educational materials for educators serving children in need.

For all other educators and parents/caregivers, these books are available through most booksellers and your local library.

Expressing care is the foundation of family strengths and relationships. When we express care to our children, we show them that we like them and want the best for them. We show our kids that we care by how we listen, show warmth, invest time and energy, and are someone they can count on.

The Family Book(Family Strength: Being Warm)Written and illustrated by Todd Parr

We all need nudges that push us to work hard on achieving our goals. We challenge our kids to grow by pushing them beyond what’s comfortable, raising questions, and testing their abilities in ways that are demanding, stimulating, and motivating. We also help them keep them heading in a positive direction by setting appropriate limits.

We help each other grow in our families when we look beyond what we already know to see things beyond today that can open new possibilities in the future. This involves trying new things, going new places, and meeting new people.

Relationships involve a give and take. Our kids learn and grow when they have a voice in the family and are part of making decisions that affect them. How we share power—how that changes as our kids grow up—prepares them to be responsible, contributing adults.

Let's Get a Pup, Said Kate(Family Strength: Negotiate)Written and illustrated by Bob Graham

Routines give a dependable rhythm and structure to family life. Without them, life can feel chaotic. Traditions—such as birthdays, holidays, rituals, and other special times together—give our time together deeper meaning and lasting memories.

On most days, we interact with friends and acquaintances in our schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, and other places we spend time. Those people and places make our families stronger, and families also enrich community life.